HighGround’s rural weeks can be attended in a variety of ways, including remotely whilst on deployment!

Archie Forrest was on tour in Iraq in 2021 when he attended the rural week. As he says’ ” I didn’t attend all of it just the bits I could dial into.” He decided to leave the Army for a career in a rural industry and signed off whilst in Iraq!

He adds “When I got back, I got in touch with Velcourt following their brief on the rural week and went on a couple of visits to local farms which is what informed my choice of agriculture. I chose agriculture because it is a dynamic and challenging sector largely outdoors which can benefit society through the production of food and, if done well, benefit the environment.

I spent my post operational tour leave working on a dairy farm and then attended the Royal Agricultural University for a Diploma in Agriculture while on resettlement in 2022/2023 (paid for by ELC and a scholarship). I then started working for Velcourt as a harvest casual in June 2023 and was offered a position as a Trainee farm manager in October 2023.”

Archie is now a valued presenter on the Virtual Rural Weeks, with his transition journey and experience providing invaluable insight to course participants.